Jewish Community Foundation fundholders and staff recently participated in the organization’s first “Smarter Giving Site Visit” at HappyBottoms.
On the site visit on March 26, members of the Foundation had the opportunity to meet HappyBottoms’ leadership, tour its warehouse and learn about the impact it’s making on families in need throughout the region. HappyBottoms is a local nonprofit organization with the mission of collaborating with the community to empower, connect and impact families by alleviating diaper need.
“Having the opportunity to physically see this incredible organization at work and experience the passion and commitment of its leadership is so inspiring,” said participant Jeff Mallin. “You just can’t gain this insight by reading about it. These visits help educate fundholders on the many wonderful agencies that continue to need support to have such a meaningful impact in our community.”
During the tour, Foundation fundholders witnessed a volunteer effort in action, with volunteers sorting and packaging hundreds of diapers for distribution to area families. The visitors saw the scale of the operation which underscored the role that HappyBottoms plays in supporting vulnerable families and alleviating diaper insecurity. For fundholders, the visit was not just about observing but also connecting with the cause and better understanding how their support makes a meaningful impact.
The Foundation recognizes the importance of fostering connections between fundholders and the charitable organizations they choose to support. Site visits like the one to HappyBottoms are just one of many ways the Foundation adds context to its fundholders' philanthropy, helping them make informed decisions about their charitable giving and see the real-world impact of their generosity. From customized philanthropic strategies to educational and social opportunities and events, the Foundation aims to provide donors with the tools and knowledge they need to maximize their impact and achieve their personal charitable giving goals.
“When I conversed with some of our most engaged fundholders, I learned that they had always been interested in going on site visits but didn’t feel comfortable initiating them,” said Beatrice Fine, the Foundation’s director of funder services and education. “I am so pleased to use my role at the Foundation to embark on these eye-opening field trips to help our donors learn more about some of the amazing organizations in Kansas City.”
Future Smarter Giving Site Visits are being planned and will occur monthly. The series will include opportunities to gather at and learn about a variety of local nonprofits in the Jewish and general communities.
More information about the Jewish Community Foundation and Smarter Giving Site Visits is available by contacting Fine at or (913) 327-4618.
